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Home > Invertebrates
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> Rochia nilotica
Created 12/11/2020
Family
Tegulidae
ASIAN PACIFIC
Rochia nilotica
Society Islands, 5 feet |
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PEARLY TOP SHELL
| Formerly common on shallow reefs, typically heavily encrusted by
coralline algae. The shell is white with wine or black flame-like
streaks and the interior is pearly. Harvested as food and shells
made into buttons and crafts. While it has been depleted in its
native range, introduced populations north and east of Fiji have expanded
and support local fisheries. Fortunately these alien relocations do
not appear to have negative effects on the ecosystem. Attains 6.5 inches.
Native from SE Asia to Fiji, introduced to the Marshall Islands and east
to French Polynesia. Formerly known as Trochus niloticus. |
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